Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 18827, Nathaniel H French, Conn.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Conn.
French, Nathaniel H.
S. 18827
carded
CONTENTS

Vermont 28974
Nathl H French of Newhaven in the State of Vermont who was a general in the Company commanded by Captain Adams of the by in the Connecticut line for State troops.
Addison County
Inscribed on the Roll of Vermont at the rate of 23 Dollars 44 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16. day of Aug 1834 and had it sought Pursuant to V.F.
Arrears to the 14th of March 1834 70.95 Semi-annual allowance ending 14 Sept " 11.83
$ 82.81
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Not June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Henry H. Tyler Clerk, Book 60 Vol. 3 Page 15

State of Vermont Addison County ss 3 On this 15 th day of January in the year of our Lord one Thousand eight hundred thirty four personally appeared in open court before the Court of Oyer & terminer for the District of New Haven in said County of Addison now sitting at Roxbury within and for said District Nathaniel H. French a resident of the town of New Haven in the County of Addison aforesaid and State of Vermont aged sixty seven years the 14 th day of February next who being duly sworn according to Law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7 th 1832 -
That he entered the service of the United States as a private soldier some time in the year 1779, according to the best of his recollection and belief in the Connecticut State Troops, and served as a sub- stitute for his Father, Samuel French late of Norton in the County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut deceased six weeks as he fully believes; and was then honorably discharged, during which time he was attached to a guard stationed at a place then called Newfield Harbor now called Bridgeport in said County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut. His Lieutenant name who commanded said guard was William Hale. The names of two of his sergeants he recollects one was called Joel Parish and the other Isaac Patten - and

he further testifies and says & declares that on the 6 th day of September A.D. 1782, according to the best of his recollection and belief at Black Rock Fort a place so called in said County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut he enlisted as a private soldier into the service of the United States in a corps called the Connecticut State troops and was attached to a guard called the station guard at said Black Rock Fort. The exact time of time for which he enlisted he cannot now for certainty say, but recollects distinctly that he served until the fore part of April 1783 when he was honorably dis- charged. The guard last aforesaid was commanded by Lieutenants Adams, whose Christian name he does not now recollect, he also recollects, that one of his sergeants was called Amos and another Hays, but does not recollect their christian names - and he further declares, & says that he has no documentary evidence of his services, if he had written discharges from the service he has lost the same. and has no further direct evidence of his said services except the testimony of Samuel Edwards and Sitt Hall whose depositions are hereto annexed - And he further testifies declares and says, that he was born in what was then called North Fairfield, now called Weston in said County of Fairfield and State of Connecticut the 14 th day of February A.D. 1767, and that he has no other record of his age except what is written in his bible, which he copied from his Father's bible. That he lived with his Father in said Weston when he entered the service as before stated. And that

very shortly after he was twenty one years old he removed from said State of Connecticut into the State of Vermont and has resided in the Towns of Ferrisburgh & New Haven in said County of Addison ever since - He was a substitute for his father Samuel French, for the first term of service; and an enlisted soldier, for the second term of service as is herein before stated. He cannot state the names of any other officers than those herein before named - He does not recollect whether he had written discharges or not, if he had he has lost them - He can name Theophilus Middlebrook Esq. of Ferrisburgh Solomon Carter of Monkton; and Abel Puck of New Haven all in said County of Addison, who can testify to his character for veracity and their belief of his services as a soldier of the revolution. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State. Nathaniel H. French Sworn to & subscribed the day & year aforesaid -
The undersigned Middlebrook of Ferrisburgh, Solomon Carter of Monkton & Abel Puck of New Haven all residing in the County of Addison aforesaid, hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Nathaniel H. French and have been for the space of about forty years past, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration and that we believe him to be sixty seven years of age, and that he is respected and beloved in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier in the

Resolution and that we concur in that opinion; and that we believe him to be a man of truth & veracity. —
Theophilus Middlebrook
Solomon Rater
Abel Peck
Given & subscribed the day & year aforesaid
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion as to the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories proposed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier & served as he states — And the Court further certify that it appears to them that Theophilus Middlebrook of Farmington, Solomon Rater of Hampton and Abel Peck of New Haven all of said Addison County, who have signed the preceding certificate are credible persons & their statement is entitled to credit
Jesse Grandey Judge.
I, John Park, Register of the Probate Court for the District of New Haven, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Nathaniel H. French of the aforesaid New Haven for a Pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of Office this 15 th day of January A.D. 1834
John Park, Register.

N. B. French
29.529
Admit as private
7 mo 3 days.
23 11
H. S. Hanks
Sam W. Slade
H. R.

WAR DEPARTMENT,
Pension Office,
Sir:
The evidence in support of your claim, under the act of June 7, 1832, has been examined, and the papers are herewith returned. The following is a statement of your case in a tabular form. On comparing these papers with the following rules, and the subjoined notes, you will readily perceive that objections exist, which must be removed, before a pension can be allowed. The notes and the regulations will show what is necessary to be done. These points to which your attention is more particularly directed, you will find marked in the margin with a brace, (thus: { ). You will, when you return your papers to this Department, send this printed letter with them; and you will, by complying with this request, greatly facilitate the investigation of your claim.
A Statement, showing the Service of N.H. French
   Period when the service was rendered. Duration of the claimant's service. Rank of the claimant. Names and rank of the Field officers under whom he served. Age at present, and place of abode when he entered the service. Proof by which the declaration is supported.   Years. Months. Days.     1779, 54 weeks, " 1 15 Private Sergeant Hall. 67 July last Entered service at Newfield Harbor - now called Bridgewater { Second Edwards  Edwards { 4 Seth Hall   1782 & 1783 7 months " 7 " Private Sergeant Adams 67 July last Entered service at Newfield Harbor - now called Weston { Second Edwards { Seth Hall { E. Phelps, Constable of Connecticut { J. Macalbrook { S. Carter { Abel Peck  
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. EDWARDS,
Commissioner of Pensions.

REGULATIONS UNDER THE ACT OF JUNE 7, 1832.
The following regulations have been adopted:
This law has been construed to extend, as well to the line, as to every branch of the Staff of the Army, and to include under the terms "Continental Line," "State troops," "militia," and "volunteers," all persons enlisted, drafted, or who volunteered and who were bound to military service, but not those who were occasionally employed with the army upon civil contracts, such as Clerks to Commissaries and to Store Keepers, &c., Teamsters, Boatmen, &c. Persons who served on board of private armed vessels are also excluded from the benefits of the law, as well as persons who turned out as patrols, or were engaged in guarding particular places at night, and were not recognized as being in actual military service.
Four general classes of cases are embraced in this law:
 1. The Regular Troops.  2. The State Troops, Militia, and Volunteers.  3. Persons employed in the Naval Service.  4. Indian Spies. 
As rolls of the regular troops in the Revolutionary War exist in this Department, all persons claiming the benefit of this law as officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians or privates, will, in the first instance, make application by transmitting the following declaration, which will be made before a Court of Record of the County where such applicant resides. And every Court having by law a seal and Clerk is considered a Court of Record.
DECLARATION,—
In order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress of the 7th of June, 1832.
State, Territory, or District of } ss. County of }  On this _____ day of _____ personally appeared (a) before A. B. a resident (b) of _____ in the county of _____ and State, Territory or District of _____ aged (c) _____ years, who being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he enlisted in the Army of the United States in the year (d) _____, with _____ and served in the _____ (e) regiment of the _____ line, under the following named officers:
[Here set forth the names and rank of the Field and Company Officers; the time he left the service; (and if he served under more than one term of enlistment, he must specify the particular period, and rank and names of his officers;) the town or county and State in which he resided when he entered the service; the battles, if any, in which he was engaged, and the country through which he marched. (This form is to be varied so as to apply to the cases of officers and persons who belonged to the militia, volunteers, navy, &c.)]
He hereby relinquishes every claim (f) whatever to a pension or an annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the Pension Roll of any Agency in any State, or (if any) only on that of the Agency in the State of _____
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
A. B.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion (g) that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier, and served as he states.,
I _____ of the Court of _____ do hereby certify (h) that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office (i) this _____ day of _____ &c.
If, on examination of the proper record, the names of applicants, making such declaration, cannot be found, they will produce such proof as the rule given in note (j) points out.
Every applicant who claims a pension by virtue of service in the State Troops, Volunteers or Militia, except those who belonged to the New Hampshire Militia and State Troops of Virginia, will make and subscribe a declaration similar to the foregoing, with the following additions, viz:
(k) We, A. B., a Clergyman, residing in the _____ and C. D. residing in (the same) _____ hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with _____, who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be _____ years of age; that he is reputed and believed, in the neighborhood where he resides, to have been a soldier of the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion.
Sworn and subscribed the days and year aforesaid.
[And then will follow the certificate of the Court.]
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies, that it appears to them that A. B. who has signed the preceding certificate is a clergyman, resident in the _____ and that C. D., who has also signed the same is a resident in the _____ and is a credible person, and that their statement is entitled to credit.
I, _____ Clerk of the Court of _____ do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of _____ for a pension.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office, this _____ day of _____ &c.
Every applicant will produce the best proof in his power. This is the original discharge or commission; but if neither of these can be obtained, the party will so state under oath, and will then procure, if possible, the testimony of at least one credible witness, stating in detail his personal knowledge of the services of the applicant, and such circumstances connected therewith, as may have a tendency to throw light upon the transaction.
If such surviving witness cannot be found, the applicant will so state in his declaration, (l) and he will also, whether he produce such evidence or not, proceed to relate all the material facts, which can be useful in the investigation of his claim, and in the comparison of his narrative with the events of the period of his
Servin in 1779 when claimant was but 12 years old cannot be recognized as actual servin upon the present index
It does not appear that Lieutenant Adams corps was in constant servin from Sept 1782 to June 1783. If such was the fact, the documents in the office the Claimant should state the number of the guard & the character of the

alleged service, as they are known at the Department. A very full account of the services of each person will be indispensable to a favorable action upon his case. The facts stated will afford one of the principal means of corroborating the declaration of the applicant, if true, or of detecting the imposition, if one be attempted; and unless, therefore, these are amply and clearly set forth, no favorable decision can be expected. All applicants will appear before some Court of Record in the County in which they reside, and there subscribe and be sworn to, one of the declarations above provided, according to the nature of his case.
The Court will propound the following (m) interrogatories to all applicants for a pension, on account of service in the Militia, State troops, or Volunteers, except the Militia of New Hampshire and the State troops of Virginia.
 1. Where and in what year were you born?  2. Have you any record of your age, and if so, where is it?  3. Where were you living when called into service; where have you lived since the Revolutionary war, and where do you now live?  4. How were you called into service; were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute? And if a substitute, for whom?  5. State the names of some of the Regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served; such Continental and Militia Regiments as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your services. 
 6. { To a Soldier. { Did you ever receive a discharge from the service, and if so, by whom was it given, and what has become of it? To an Officer. { Did you ever receive a commission, and if so, by whom was it signed, and what has become of it? 
 7. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a soldier of the Revolution. 
The Court will see that the answers to these questions are embodied in the declaration, and they are requested to annex their opinions of the truth of the statement of the applicant.
The applicant will further produce in Court, if the same can be done, in the opinion of the Court, without too much expense and inconvenience to him, two respectable persons—one of whom should be the nearest clergyman, if one lives in the immediate vicinity of such applicant, who can testify, from their acquaintance with him, that they believe he is of the age he represents, and that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood to have been a Revolutionary soldier, and that they concur in that opinion. If one of these persons is a Clergyman, the Court will so certify, and they will also certify to the character and standing of other persons giving such certificates.
The traditional evidence of service is deemed very important, in the absence of any direct proof, except the declaration of the party. And the Courts are requested to be very particular in the inquiry whether the belief is general, and whether any doubts have ever existed upon the subject.
Applicants unable to appear in Court, by reason of bodily infirmity, may make the declaration before required, and submit to the examination, before a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record of the proper county, and the Judge or Justice will execute the duties, which the Court is herein requested to perform, and will also certify that the applicant cannot, from bodily infirmity, attend the Court.
Whenever any official act is required to be done by a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or by a Justice of the Peace, the certificate of the Secretary of State or Territory, or of the proper Clerk of the Court or County, under his seal of office, will be annexed, stating that such person is a Judge or Justice of a Court of Record, or a Justice of the Peace, and that the signature annexed is his genuine signature.
No payments can be made on account of the services of any person, who may have died before the taking effect of the act of June 7, 1832; and in case of death subsequent thereto, and before the declaration herein required is made, the parties interested will transmit such evidence as they can procure, taken and authenticated before a Court of Record, showing the services of the deceased, the period of his death, the opinion of the neighborhood respecting such services, the title of the claimant, and the opinion of the Court upon the whole matter.
[a] The declarant must appear in open Court, unless prevented from doing so by reason of bodily infirmity; in which case the declarant will follow the rule laid down for his guidance.
[b] The declarant must make his declaration in the county where he resides. If he should fail to do so, he must assign a sufficient reason for not conforming to the rule.
[c] The age of the claimant must invariably be mentioned.
[d] The declarant must mention the period or periods of the war when he served.
[e] Every continental officer or soldier must give the name of the Colonel under whom he served; otherwise a satisfactory examination of the claim cannot be had. Every claimant must state, with precision, the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the Department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service; but, according to the best of his recollection, he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades:—For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____. For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."
It is important, in all cases, to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months , in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours, the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must, in every case, be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
[f] The law makes the relinquishment indispensable.
[g] The opinion of the Court is always required.
[h] The Clerk must give his certificate in every case.
[i] The Clerk must affix his seal, and if it has no device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal, or if he has no public seal of office, the certificate of a Member of Congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.
Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other papers authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
Proof of Service.
[j] In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimant's entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
[k] The notes from [a] to [i] are all equally applicable to the cases of Militia men, Volunteers and State Troops. The proof required by rule in note [j] applies to continental troops only.
[l] This traditional evidence is indispensable in militia cases.
[t] If a witness cannot be found, the declarant must state the fact.
[m] The answers to the interrogatories must all be written, and sent to the War Department, with the declaration.
and the commissioner of Public accounts at Hartford will hear it duties they performed

P 1882 u O
INVALID.
am
File No. 1882
Little & French
Pro New York
Act: June 7 th 32
Index:—Vol. 1 , Page 199
[Arrangement of 1870.]
July 23, 1904-His. Mrs. Earl O. Mallon Indpls. Ind

1887
3-068. (Old No. 3-649.)
Bureau of Pensions.
of the St. Michael
May 15, 1882 - 66 New Haven Ct
74 — Conn St. Mark's Hill Cal — P.A. 6 wks
Sept 6, 82 St. Andrews Cal — P.A. 7 mo
No Bat
From July 1882 to 87 to Fairfield Conn
Conn

own Feb. 3-1904.
W. S. Pension Agent, E.C.L.
Dear Sir,
In order that I may become a Daughter of the American Revolution, I am seeking the war record of two of my ancestors, and beg your assistance in gaining the desired information.
First my great-grandfather Ephraim Rice born in Brattle- boro, Vt., died in Wardsboro, Vt., was a revolutionary soldier and a pensioner. I under-

stand his name is in the "Census of Pensioners 1840."
He en enlisted in Mass.
I would also like to know something of my great-great- grandfather Nathaniel French , of Westminster, Vt. All I know of him is, that he was a soldier and is on record in Vermont.
Thanking you for all courtesy,
I am, Respectfully Yours,
Mrs Earl O. Mallock,
1834 N. Alabama St,
Indianapolis, Ind

It appears by the records of the State that the General Assembly of Connecticut at their session in January 1778 ordered guards to be raised and stationed at various places on the sea coast, and to serve until the first day of January 1779, unless sooner discharged. Twenty four men, including one sergeant & one corporal, under command of a Lieutenant, were ordered to be stationed at Fairfield.
In January 1779 the General Assembly ordered guards for the sea coast to be raised, & stationed at various places, & to serve one year. One company of seventy men, officers included, were ordered to be raised & stationed at Fairfield.
In January 1780 guards were ordered in like manner to be raised, to serve until the first of January 1781. Twenty six men, including a Lieut & one Serg t were ordered to be stationed at Fairfield.
In November 1780, the General Assembly ordered that there should be raised & stationed

at the several ports where guards were kept the preceding year, & to consist of one half the number then ordered, except at New London & Groton, & to serve until first of January 1782.
And that the General Assembly in January 1782 granted certain sums of money to several towns on the sea coast, to enable them to raise and station guards therein. One of the towns mentioned in the resolve is Fairfield.
Comptrollers Office
May 7 th 1834
I Delesha Phelps Comptroller of Public Accounts of the State of Connecticut, do certify, that it appears by the books of the Pay Table, that the pay roll of Sergeant William Hall's company coast guards stationed at Stratford is charged to the United States under date August 9 th 1779.
That under date February 11 th 1780 the pay roll of Sergt William Hall's company is also charged to the United States.
And that the pay roll of one William

Hall's company at Newfield is charged to the United States under date January 12 th 1781. No roll of their companies under command of said William Hall has been found, or evidence showing how long they served.
I further certify, that it appears the journal of by the Council of Safety under date March 29 th 1782 that "Mr Nathan Adams" was appointed, "to be "Lieutenant to command y e garrison at Black "Rock in Fairfield y e season ensuing. Also, "B. Genl Mead was ordered to supply the garrison "at Fairfield" with necessary ammunition &c.
And that the pay roll of Lieut. Nathan Adams' pay roll for guard at Black Rock is charged to the United States on the books of the Pay Table under date 31 st July 1783, & that no roll of his company has been found, or evidence showing how long it was in service.
B. Phelps

Be it remembered that on this the 16th day of July AD 1834, the said Nathl H French, being duly sworn, doth on his oath make the following further declaration in order to obtain his pension under the act of bounties aforesaid. He further states that during his whole six years term of duty as a soldier stated; that he recollects, being regularly on guard, doing his duty as a Soldier, taking his regular turn as such, as often as any other Soldier attached to said guard. The object of a guard at that place at the time aforesaid was to protect the store, to hail and bring to, any Boat which might pass or offer to pass in or out of a certain Creek between Black Rock Harbor, or in or out of Newfield Harbor, in the night time. The number of the guard commanded by said Hall he does not now recollect, but understood, the same was full; he believed at the time he made his former declaration, that said Hall was a Sergeant and recollects he was so called; but from the certificate of Elisha Phelps Comptroller of the State of Connecticut, hereto annexed; he finds said Hall was only a Sergeant; he knows said Hall commanded the guard, at the time he performed the services last said. And he further states, that as to his second term of duty, or services, before stated; he has a distinct recollection that Lieut Adams commanded the station guard; at Black Rock fort, so called as aforesaid, from the 6th day of Sept AD 1782 to the 5th day of April AD 1786. During this time, he this Defendant, performed his second term of duty, before stated, in his first declaration, during all which time, the said guard were doing their duty at said Fort, and that he was attached to the same, doing his duty as a Soldier. The number of the guard he does not now recollect, but understood at the time, the guard was complete. The duties performed by said guard, said was to guard the Fort, and bring to all vessels passing within reach of their guns.

Then defendant further recalled, there was mounted at said Fort, two twelve pounders, one long nine, and two guns of smaller dimensions; also that some of the guns were nightly sent out as patrolling sentries and there was within, the Fort Government Store, to what amount he cannot say.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid Nathaniel H. French
State of Vermont District of New Haven } And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, that the above named applicant, was a Revolutionary Soldier and served as he states
before Grandey Judge
I, John Parker, Register of the Probate Court for the District of New Haven, do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Nathaniel H. French of the aforesaid New Haven for a Pension.
In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court this 16 th day of July A.D. 1834 John Parker, Register.

Samuel Edwards, of Inverness in the County of Franklin & State of Connecticut 75 years old & a pensioner of the United States, do depose & say that I have been well acquainted with Nathaniel H. French ever since he was a Lad & during the Revolutionary War. said French during the War was a resident of the Town of Weston in said County & that he then lived in the same neighbourhood with said French during the Revolutionary War below him on the Road leading to a place called Nutfield now Bridgeport. & also leading to a place called Black Rock. & that he recollects seeing said French when going to join a garrison at Nutfield & that he saw him doing duty there in a Garrison commanded by Lieut William Hall, Isaac Patkin was a Sergeant in said Garrison & were both neighbours to the Deponent. & that he recollects holding frequent conversation with said French at the time about his service in said Garrison. Also the Deponent further states that he remembers that said French performed a tour of service at Black Rock Fort under Lieut. Addams as he believes in a Garrison kept at said Fort, the latter part of the War, & that he fully believes said French performed two tours of service for the United States under Lieut Hall & Lieut Addams faithfully. —
Samuel Edwards

Seth Hall of the Town of Bridgeport in the County of Fairfield & State of Connecticut 84 years old & a pensioner of the United States. Do depose and say that he has, been well acquainted with Nathaniel H. French ever since he was a child. & that said French. Resided with his Father Samuel French. in the same Neighbourhood with said Hall during the Revolutionary War in the Town of Weston in said County, & that said French after the Revolution moved into the State of Vermont where he now lives, I belonged to a Guard in the Revolution in the year 1782 commanded by Lieut Nathaniel Adams, & Sergeant Amos which guard was Stationed at Black Rock Harbour, said French belonged to said Guard at the same time & I have no doubt that said French served the United States six or seven months faithfully in said Guard. & that he verily believes, that said French performed a term of service for the United States in the Revolution in a Guard commanded by Lieut. William Hall, & Stationed at a place called Newfield now Bridgeport. but does not now remember how long a time said French served in said Guard at Newfield. & that said French was an honest faithfull Soldier. & of good Character.
Seth Hall

State of Connecticut
Tanfield County ss Bridgeport August 2 d 1833 Be it known that Samuel Edwards & Seth Hall who have this day signed the foregoing Depositions & made oath to the truth of the same before me are persons well known to me & are credible Witnesses and I have full confidence in their statement Sworn & Subscribed before me
Isaac Sherman Justice of Peace
I deem it proper to say that E. D. Woodbridge Esq. of Vergennes Vermont, who has transmitted to me these papers, and whose declaration is entitled to the fullest confidence - says in his letter accompanying them - "I am well acquainted with Mr. French, and know there is no man living of more strict integrity."
M c Slade M.C.
Jan 25. 1834.

State of Connecticut Fairfield County {
ss. I Thomas B. Osborne Clerk of the County Court within and for the County of Fairfield in the State of Connecticut do hereby certify that Isaac Sherman Esquire is now and for more than one year last past has been a Justice of the Peace in and for said Fairfield County duly commissioned & qualified & duly empowered to administer oaths and take Depositions &c.
I further certify that I am acquainted with the hand writing of the said Isaac Sherman Esquire and verily believe that the signature to the within Certificate annexed to the Depositions of Samuel Edwards and Seth Hall, purporting to be the signature of the said Isaac Sherman Esq, is genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of said County Court in Fairfield this 20 th day of December A.D. 1833.
Thomas B. Osborne Clerk of said County Court